A WILLIAMS MEMORIAL.

Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 66, 19 March 1925, Page 8

A WILLIAMS MEMORIAL.

TWO GREAT BROTHERS. THEIR WORK FOR THE MAORI. (By Telegraph.—Special to "Star.") WHAXGAREI, Wednesday. On August 24, 1023, 100 years after the landing of the late Archdeacon Henry Williams, it was decided by members of the family to commemorate his work, and that of the late Bishop of Waiapu (Williams Williams), as missionaries to the Maori race in New Zealand, by erecting a stone church, and by establishing a trust to assist in carrying on the work, so well and faithfully done by the Archdeacon and his brother, assisted by their wives, from the year 1523 onwards. The ceremony of laying the foundation stone of this church was carried out at Paihia, Bay of Islands, yesterday afternoon. There wa-s a very good attendance of residents and visitors, the clergy being represented by Bishop Averill, Archdeacon Hawkins, Canon P. T. Williams, Canon Keretene, and Revs. W. J. Piggott, R. Hadficld, and C. Nathan. Members of the Williams family present included Messrs. T. S. Williams (Gisborne). E. H. Williams (Hastings). W. T. Williams (Te Aute), K. S. Williams, M.P., (Bay of Plenty), G. Williams (Gisborne). Canon P. T. Williams (Paihia), and Mr. A. B. Williams (Hawke's Bay). These members of the family are grandsons of the late archdeacon Henry Williams and Bishop William Williams. The stone, Nelson marble, bearing the following inscription, was laid by the eldest member of the family, Mr. T. S. I (Sydney) Williams: "To the Glory of God, the foundation stone of this memorial church was laid by Thomas [Sydney Williams, March 17, 1025." Mr." T. S. Williams is the oldest surviving member of the family. In the course of his address, he said: "It is difficult to realise that in 1823, when the Archdeacon landed at this historic spot, cannibalism was rife in this land, and early missionaries took their lives in their hands in carrying on their work. Both our relatives were well equipped for their -work, for they knew not fear. Courage was one of the qualities in a man that the Maori warriors of those early days admired beyond all others. The Maoris soon learned that when the Archdeacon and his brother spoke they meant what they said; they soon learned that they could trust their word. This led to confidence and respect, which lasted throughout the lifetime of the brothers, and was a greater protection to them than legions of soldiers. As a matter of history, it is interesting to note that Divine Service to the Maoris at Paihia was first held by the Archdeacon in his own raupo house. Later on a church made of raupo was constructed. In 1555, or thereabouts, a lath and plaster church was built, where Divine Service was held. Then, in 1874, the present wooden church, now about to be removed, was erected." Other speakers were Bishop Averill and Canon Keretene, the latter statins, through an interpreter, that through the Williams brothers cannibalism was abolished. V\ 7 hen Mr. Henry Williams died there peace had been established i throughout the native tribes. He could speak all day upon what the Williams brothers did among the Maoris, but, above all, it was through them that they now had Maori ministers working in all parts of New Zealand.